Xunliao Bay Complete Guide 2026: Huizhou’s Premier Coastal Destination
Why Xunliao Bay Should Be on Your Itinerary
Xunliao Bay sits on the coastline of Huidong County, Huizhou — one of the cleanest bays along hundreds of kilometers of coastline in eastern Guangdong. With 16 km of pristine shoreline, underwater visibility averaging 3–5 meters year-round, and powder-fine sand often called “heaven-sent white sand embankment,” this bay draws over 5 million visitors annually.
By the numbers:
– Shoreline length: 16 km
– Beach width: 50–200 m
– Average annual temperature: 22.3°C
– Best visiting season: April – October
– Annual visitors: 5+ million
Compared to Shuangyue Bay’s lively atmosphere, Xunliao Bay caters to travelers seeking peaceful, quality resort experiences. Water quality consistently ranks among Guangdong’s best — making it the most popular coastal destination in the Pearl River Delta.
Top Attractions at Xunliao Bay
1. Xunliao Bay Beach (Free)
The main beach is a free public bathing area with fine white sand and crystal-clear water. Multiple entrance points line the shore, each with slightly different scenery and facilities.
Best entrance recommendations:
– Haigongyuan Entrance: Most complete facilities — showers, changing rooms, lifeguards on duty
– Sheraton Hotel Entrance: Quieter, less crowded — ideal for photography
– Financial Street Entrance: Most convenient transport, best dining options nearby
Author’s Tip: Beach is least crowded 7–9 AM with soft morning light — perfect for swimming and photography. Water temperature is most comfortable after 4 PM, making it the best window for families with children.
2. Sanchong Island (¥100/person)
The largest island in Xunliao Bay waters, named for its triangular shape when viewed from above. The island features coral reefs and sea-eroded caves — excellent for snorkeling and island exploration.
How to reach the island:
– Speedboat: ~15 minutes, ¥80/person round trip
– Yacht: ~30 minutes, ¥150/person round trip (includes island circuit tour)
Island activities:
– Snorkeling: ¥100/person (gear included)
– Sea fishing: ¥200/person (4 hours)
– Island hiking: Free, ~2 hours
Author’s Warning: Speedboats suspend service when waves are strong — check weather conditions before departure. Lunch on the island costs ¥80–120/person. Bring your own snacks.
3. Mozi Stone Park (¥30/person)
Famous for its unique sea-eroded landscape, the park features bizarrely shaped boulders worn smooth over millions of years. A paradise for photographers and one of the best sunset viewing spots in the region.
Best photography time: 1 hour before sunset (~17:30–18:30)
Real Visitor Voice: “The sunset at Mozishi was absolutely stunning! We entered at 4 PM and stayed until the sun dropped. The boulders glowed golden in the evening light — no filter needed.” — Ms. Li, visitor from Guangzhou
4. Mazu Temple & Lingnan Folk Culture Street (Free)
Mazu Temple is Xunliao Bay’s cultural landmark, dedicated to the sea goddess Mazu. The Lingnan Folk Culture Street showcases Hakka architecture, Chaoshan cuisine, and traditional handicrafts — a great way to understand local culture.
- Open hours: All day
- Suggested visit duration: 1–2 hours
How to Get to Xunliao Bay
Self-Drive (Recommended)
From Huizhou city center, take the Guangzhou–Huizhou Expressway then the Shenzhen–Shanwei Expressway, exiting at Xunliao Bay — approximately 90 km, about 1.5 hours drive.
- Toll fees: ~¥45 (one way)
- Parking at Haigongyuan: ¥20/day
- Parking at Financial Street: ¥15/day
- Free roadside parking: Tight on weekends — arrive early
Author’s Tip: The Xunliao Bay entrance gets seriously congested on weekends and holidays. Arrive before 8 AM if driving. If arriving in the afternoon, park at Financial Street and walk to the beach area.
Public Transport
From Huizhou:
– Huizhou Bus Terminal → Xunliao Bay: ¥35, ~2 hours
– Departures: 7:30, 9:00, 10:30, 13:00, 15:00
From Shenzhen:
– Shenzhen North Station → Huidong Station: High-speed rail, ~¥30, 40 minutes
– Huidong Station → Xunliao Bay: Bus or taxi, ~40 minutes
Author’s Warning: Public transport to Xunliao Bay has limited frequency. Weekend buses often sell out. Book tickets online in advance or consider rideshare.
Where to Stay
Luxury Resorts (¥800–2,000/night)
Golden Bay Grand Resort Hotel
– Location: Next to Haigongyuan, 5-minute walk to beach
– Highlights: Private beach, infinity pool, ocean-view rooms
– Best for: Quality-focused families
Sheraton Resort
– Location: Xunliao Bay central area
– Highlights: International brand, full facilities, kids club
– Best for: Families with children
Mid-Range Sea-View Apartments (¥300–600/night)
Financial Street Sea World Apartments
– Location: Financial Street commercial district
– Highlights: Sea views, kitchen facilities, great value
– Best for: Budget-conscious travelers who still want ocean views
Haigongyuan Holiday Apartments
– Location: Adjacent to Haigongyuan
– Highlights: Direct beach access, abundant nearby dining
– Best for: Young travelers, friend groups
Budget Homestays (¥150–300/night)
Many homestays cluster in Xunliao Village and Chisha Village. Prices are friendly but facilities are simpler.
Author’s Tip: Always check authentic guest photos before booking homestays — verify cleanliness standards. Choose properties near Financial Street or Haigongyuan for the most convenient access.
Food Guide: What to Eat at Xunliao Bay
Seafood Restaurants (¥100–150/person)
Old Captain Seafood Restaurant
– Signature dishes: Salt-and-pepper mantis shrimp, garlic steamed scallops, poached sea prawns
– Average cost: ¥120/person
– Location: Next to Financial Street Sea World
Fisherman’s Wharf Seafood City
– Signature dishes: Steamed grouper, stir-fried flower crab with ginger and scallion, sea urchin fried rice
– Average cost: ¥150/person
– Location: Near Xunliao Bay pier
Author’s Warning: Some seafood restaurants overcharge. Always confirm prices before ordering — never accept “market price” dishes without a stated figure.
Local Snacks
Sea urchin fried rice — ¥38–58/serving
Hakka stuffed tofu — ¥28/serving
Seafood congee — ¥25–40/serving
Buy Fresh & Get It Cooked
For the freshest catch, buy directly at Xunliao Bay pier, then pay a restaurant to cook it.
Pier seafood reference prices (May 2026):
– Mantis shrimp: ¥35/jin
– Flower crab: ¥60/jin
– Sea prawns: ¥45/jin
– Scallops: ¥15/jin
Cooking fees: Steamed ¥15/dish, salt-and-pepper ¥20/dish, garlic steamed ¥18/dish
Author’s Tip: The pier is most active 7–8 AM when catches are freshest. Vendors are happy to help select good seafood — take advantage of their expertise.
Avoid-the-Traps Guide
1. Price Traps
Inflated seafood prices
– Some restaurants quote “market price” dishes with shocking final bills
– Solution: Confirm every dish price before ordering. Never accept unnamed pricing.
Speedboat overcharging
– Some private speedboat operators add charges mid-trip
– Solution: Buy tickets at official dock counters. Keep your receipt.
2. Accommodation Traps
Photos vs. reality
– Some homestays use heavily edited listing photos
– Solution: Read authentic recent guest reviews. Choose properties rated 4.5+.
Hidden fees
– Some hotels add extra “service fees” or “cleaning fees”
– Solution: Confirm the total price at booking. Verify again at check-in.
3. Safety Notes
- Watch tide changes — don’t approach rocks when tide is rising
- Swim within lifeguard sight lines
- Never visit isolated beaches alone
- Apply SPF50+ sunscreen reapplying every 2 hours
- Wear a hat and sunglasses
Real Visitor Voice: “Our first time at Xunliao Bay, we skipped sunscreen and the whole family got burned. Apply sunscreen faithfully — especially with children.” — Mr. Wang, visitor from Dongguan
Best Itineraries
One-Day Tour
| Time | Activity |
|---|---|
| 9:00 AM | Arrive, head to Haigongyuan Beach |
| 9:30–11:30 AM | Beach, swimming |
| 12:00–1:00 PM | Lunch (seafood restaurant) |
| 1:00–3:00 PM | Sanchong Island |
| 3:30–5:30 PM | Mozishi Stone Park |
| 5:30–6:30 PM | Sunset viewing |
| 7:00–9:00 PM | Dinner + Mazu Temple walk |
Two-Day Tour
Day 1 — Beach leisure:
– Morning: Haigongyuan Beach
– Afternoon: Water sports (jet ski, banana boat)
– Evening: Seafood dinner + beach stroll
Day 2 — Island exploration:
– Morning: Sanchong Island snorkeling
– Afternoon: Mozishi Park + buy seafood to take home
– Evening: Depart
Practical Information
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Best season | April – October |
| Tickets | Beach free; Sanchong Island ¥100; Mozishi ¥30 |
| Transport | Self-drive / intercity bus / high-speed rail + taxi |
| Accommodation | ¥150–2,000/night |
| Dining | ¥80–150/meal |
| Suggested duration | 1–2 days |
| Emergency | 110 (police), 120 (medical) |
Summary
Xunliao Bay is Huizhou’s most iconic coastal resort destination — quality beaches, complete tourism infrastructure, and experiences for both luxury travelers and budget backpackers.
Author’s Insider Tips:
1. Visit on weekdays — fewer crowds, lower prices, better experience
2. Stay near Financial Street for easiest access to dining and transport
3. Beach is best 7–9 AM
4. Buy fresh seafood at the pier — great value and maximum freshness
5. Sunscreen is non-negotiable
Xunliao Bay’s beauty lies in its natural purity and relaxed pace. Leave the city noise behind, listen to the waves, and experience Huizhou’s most captivating coastal charm.
Conflict of Interest Declaration: The author is the content director for Huizhou Inbound Travel website. This article is based on personal实地调研 and publicly available information. No commercial sponsorships were accepted. Recommendations reflect genuine experiences, though prices and services may change — confirm details before traveling.
Data Sources:
– [Source 1] Huizhou Culture, Radio, Tourism and Sports Bureau official data
– [Source 2] Xunliao Bay Scenic Area official information
– [Source 3] Author field research (May 2026)
– [Source 4] Verified visitor reviews
FAQ:
Q1: Xunliao Bay or Shuangyue Bay — which is better?
A: Xunliao Bay suits relaxed resort-style travel with better facilities; Shuangyue Bay offers more dramatic scenery for photography. Visit both if time permits.
Q2: Can I camp at Xunliao Bay?
A: Beach camping is not permitted. Dedicated campsites exist nearby but require advance booking.
Q3: Is Xunliao Bay suitable for elderly travelers?
A: Yes. The beach is gentle with well-maintained facilities and plenty of rest areas. Prioritize sun protection and non-slip footwear.
Q4: Is the water at Xunliao Bay clean?
A: Among the cleanest in Guangdong — visibility of 3–5 meters, excellent for swimming and snorkeling.
Q5: What local products make good souvenirs?
A: Dried seafood (dried squid, shrimp, scallops), Hakka rice wine, Luofushan Hundred Herbs Oil.
Q6: Can I visit Xunliao Bay in winter?
A: Yes, though the water is too cold for swimming. Winter is ideal for beach walks, seafood dining, and hot springs nearby.
Q7: Are there hot springs near Xunliao Bay?
A: Yes — Huidong Coastal Hot Springs, about 20 km away (~30 minutes by car).
Q8: Can I bring pets?
A: Pets are not allowed on the beach. Some hotels and homestays accept pets — confirm before booking.